Biography

Rudy Schrader was born in Germany where he became a junior member of the Arbeiter Turnverein, learning gymnastics, and he was an apprentice cabinet maker, building caskets and ice boxes. He emigrated to the United States in 1890 and soon joined the Turnverein VorwÃ¤rts, which would later become the American Turners Northwest Chicago. He participated in his first National Turnfest in 1897 in St. Louis and also competed at the 1900 Turnfest in Philadelphia, prior to his Olympic appearance. He later became secretary and treasurer for the Illinois District turners, serving as treasurer for 25 years. In 1906 Schrader began work for Sears Roebuck & Co., and remained with the company until his retirement in 1940.

Rudy Schrader was far from near the end, however, although he retired at 65. He lived until January 1981, dying just short of 106-years-old. For over 32 years he was the Olympian who lived the longest, until he was surpassed by [Walter Walsh] in March 2013.

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